Newbie

[themadprof]

Hello all, I’m posting here as I just have been diagnosed type 2. As I’m sure you can appreciate it’s all a bit overwhelming and I am making my way through it. Just picked up my finger prick tester and so readings have been between 5 and 8 but mostly in the 5’s on,y a couple of days I though. I suspect I’m being very cautious with my diet so that is one area I’m curious to explore, saw some advice to keep daily carbs to 40g max which is a helpful goal. I’ve already answered a few questions in my mind thanks to other posts some thanks to all who are posting. So far I am just over a stone down but I’m not particularly overweight so it hasn’t been a huge challenge, with the miles and miles of walking at good pace, no alcohol and diet, the weight is falling off. Alcohol is one thing I’m curious about. Do I cut it out completely or can I allow myself a few drinks once a week, or so, which I would normally be doing today at quiz night with my mates. I realise that’s a personal question, just curious what others do. I’ve been given metformin and advised to ramp up which I am slowly doing, but still in week 1 of that. I’m finding other people’s posts on that topic interesting. My biggest challenge, and the one that has resulted me being in the position I am now in, is that I suffer with anxiety, especially about my health. Something that has been a curse for me most of my life. Appreciate any support, or pointers you may have. Many thanks.

 

[themadprof]

Just realised this is in the wrong place, apologies.

 

[JimmyBlue]

@themadprof, not sure why this is the wrong place, questions like yours get asked quite frequently on the forum.
Sounds like you have made a good start on taking on the management of your diabetes. The low carb root varies for individuals, I could not sustainably eat 40g of carbs or less per day, although I know a couple of people on here have taken that approach. My diet is based on less than 130g/day which I have found to be sustainable.
On the booze front, I no longer drink beer as the carb count is too high for me, but a glass or two of wine (red, white, rose) is all fine (liver priorities processing the poison known as alcohol and stops or reduces production of blood glucose). Spirits are also OK but no drinking in excess of weekly recommended levels.

 

[themadprof]

@themadprof, not sure why this is the wrong place, questions like yours get asked quite frequently on the forum.
Sounds like you have made a good start on taking on the management of your diabetes. The low carb root varies for individuals, I could not sustainably eat 40g of carbs or less per day, although I know a couple of people on here have taken that approach. My diet is based on less than 130g/day which I have found to be sustainable.
On the booze front, I no longer drink beer as the carb count is too high for me, but a glass or two of wine (red, white, rose) is all fine (liver priorities processing the poison known as alcohol and stops or reduces production of blood glucose). Spirits are also OK but no drinking in excess of weekly recommended levels.

Thankyou. I just meant that it should have been in the ‘hello’ section. Yes having thought about it that was way too severe. This is exactly what I’m looking to understand and make a plan on. 130 seems achievable as does sticking below weekly limits.

 

[saffron15]

Welcome to the forum @themadprof
This nhs website has lots of info plus on lower left handside links to useful websites. You can also work your way through the Learning Zone on the Diabetes UK website.

Diabetes & Metabolic Health | New Forest PCN

newforestpcn.co.uk

 

[Leadinglights]

As low as 40g per day would be a very low carb approach and whilst some people do need to go as low as that most will find somewhere between 80 and 130g produces satisfactory results and in any event it is better to reduce carbs gradually as otherwise it can cause issues with your eyes and nerves, managing the condition is a marathon not a sprint and it is better to find a regime which is enjoyable otherwise it will not be sustainable.
As you have a monitor it can be useful to test the effect of meals so you can make better choices, testing before you eat and after 2 hours where you would aim at no more than a 2-3mmol/l increase or no more than 8-8.5mmol/l after 2 hours with before meals being 4-7 as the aim. This is more informative than random testing which tells you not a lot.
The Freshwell Program is based on around 130g per day in their meal plans but there is also good explanation. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thankyou. I just meant that it should have been in the ‘hello’ section. Yes having thought about it that was way too severe. This is exactly what I’m looking to understand and make a plan on. 130 seems achievable as does sticking below weekly limits.

Welcome to the forum @themadprof

I think the 40g you had probably come across was probably from someone aiming to get into ketosis. This isn’t necessary for the vast majority of members here and somewhere between 80-130g seems more common with members here.

I’ve moved your thread into the Newbies section for you 🙂

 

[pjgtech]

Hi and welcome. If you are happy to share a bit more info, it helps people to give appropriate advice / info.
Things like what your last HbA1c result was (blood test), your current weight or if you need to lose / gain weight, any other relevant medical conditions, what medication you are on, perhaps an example of what your daily diet looks like, etc.
It is a lot to take in initially, so take some time to absorb it all, and be kind to yourself.
Loads of good advice on here, and as others have said maybe 40 carbs per day could be a bit low, but certainly a lower carb diet works for many T2's, eg: so 80-120 carbs per day might be a more appropriate?
Thing to remember also is that everyone's relationship with diabetes (and food) , is different, so what works for one person, may not work for someone else, so finding what works for you is key. Any significant changes you do make to diet or exercise ideally need to be achievable long term too, so they need to be realistic.

 

[Lucyr]

I’m curious to explore, saw some advice to keep daily carbs to 40g max which is a helpful goal.

That doesn’t sound a helpful goal I’m afraid. That sounds like you’ve been reading drummers posts and they are very extreme with their dietary choices.

 

[themadprof]

Thanks everyone for the replies. It’s very helpful and setting me much more at ease. Ive set myself a more realistic goal, totally agree it needs to be sustainable. This helps a lot. Same applies to the walking. My attempts to do this every single day were actually not helping as some days I just needed a rest ! I’ll gather all that info. Don’t know it all just yet. My weight loss project has been going on for some years. Started near 17 stone, I’m 6’3 so my bmi range needs me to be below about 14 stone. I’m now 14 stone 8 so almost there.